Deakin-Aston Cotutelle - ADHD and anxiety. Emotional experiences and pathways for mental health support

This is a doctoral cotutelle project between Deakin University (Australia) and Aston University (UK)

The successful PhD Student will be awarded a scholarship from Deakin University with the supervision team being drawn from Deakin University and Aston University. The PhD Student will graduate with two testamurs, one from Deakin University and one from Aston University, each of which recognises that the program was carried out as part of a jointly supervised doctoral program. The PhD Student is anticipated to spend between 6 and 12 months of the total period of the program at Aston University,  with the remainder of the program based at Deakin University.

The program is for a duration of 3 years and scheduled to commence in October 2025.

This project focuses on addressing the emotional experiences of young people with ADHD and/or anxiety disorders and their parents, aiming to improve mental health outcomes for both. While existing mental health services often focus on the child, they tend to overlook the psychological needs of parents/caregivers, despite research showing that caregiver well-being significantly influences child outcomes. Current therapeutic models often lack structure and resources to equip parents with skills to manage emotions and support their child’s mental health.

The project will investigate the emotional experiences of both children with ADHD/anxiety and their parents using surveys and interviews. It will then develop a low-cost, structured intervention in collaboration with stakeholders to support parents in managing the challenges of parenting a child with these conditions. The research will involve primary and secondary-aged children in the UK and Australia and their parents/caregivers. This project aims to enhance parent support, which will ultimately improve long-term mental health outcomes for children.

The study will also allow two PhD students to explore important factors such as emotional experiences, comparing findings between children and parents, primary and secondary-aged cohorts, and across cultural contexts (Australia vs. the UK). Additionally, the project will develop and assess the feasibility and acceptability of an intervention for parents. The students will collaborate with the supervisory team to refine their research focus, with an opportunity to explore co-occurring conditions like autism or learning disabilities.

Applications close 5pm, Monday 30 March 2025

This scholarship is supported by Deakin University, is available over 3 years and includes:

• Stipend of $35,550 per annum  tax exempt (2025 rate)
• Relocation allowance of $500-1500 (for single to family) for students moving from interstate
• Full Tuition Fee Waiver for up to 4 years
• Funding to support single travel between Deakin University and Aston University.

To be eligible you must:

• be a domestic candidate. Domestic includes candidates with Australian Citizenship, Australian Permanent Residency or New Zealand Citizenship.
• meet the PhD entry requirements of both Deakin University and Aston University, including English language proficiency requirements
• hold a Bachelor's degree with research experience or Master's degree (research) in a relevant subject area
• be enrolling full time
• be able to physically locate to both Aston University (UK) and Deakin University (Australia)

Please refer to the research degree entry pathways page and Aston’s research entry criteria page for further information.